Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Malaria Fatalities Reach A New High Amid Growing Drug Resistance, Says World Health Organization

malaria drug resistant

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/malaria">Malaria</a></span> infected an estimated 282 million people and caused about 6,10,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the <span>World Health Organization</span>’s (WHO) latest <span>World Malaria Report</span>. The report placed strong emphasis on drug resistance, warning that it remains one of the biggest threats to global elimination goals. WHO-recommended vaccines helped prevent roughly 170 million cases and one million deaths last year, which is about nine million more than the year before. Around 95 per cent of <span>malaria deaths</span> occurred in the African Region, with children under five forming the largest share.

Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, India represented 73.3 per cent of all malaria cases and 88.7 per cent of all malaria-related deaths. The report also underscored that the world is nowhere close to meeting the targets set under the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016–2030. Drug resistance has now been confirmed or suspected in at least eight African nations, and early signals point to falling effectiveness of partner drugs used with artemisinin. Other emerging challenges include rising cases of malaria parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions, which weaken the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, and widespread pyrethroid resistance across 48 countries, diminishing the protective value of insecticide-treated nets.

<h2>Malaria Deaths Increase Amid Growing Drug Resistance</h2>

The WHO warned of a global rise in malaria cases and deaths over the past year, driven by shrinking budgets and increasing drug resistance. An estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 malaria deaths were recorded in 2024, marking an increase of about nine million cases and 12,000 deaths compared to the previous year. Eleven countries in Africa accounted for nearly two-thirds of the global burden. The WHO said that efforts to reduce deaths remain “far off track.” Gareth Jenkins, managing director of the nonprofit Malaria No More UK, noted that the rise is alarming as current numbers do not yet reflect the impact of ongoing funding cuts.

<h2>What Are Anopheles Stephensi Mosquitoes?</h2>

Anopheles stephensi is a malaria-transmitting mosquito originally found in South Asia. Unlike many other malaria vectors, it thrives in cities and breeds in man-made water sources such as storage tanks, containers, and discarded tyres. It can carry both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites. 

In recent years, this mosquito has spread into several African countries, where it adapts easily and shows resistance to multiple insecticides. This expansion has increased the threat of urban malaria outbreaks, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.

At present, Anopheles stephensi has been detected in nine African countries and is proving difficult to control due to widespread insecticide resistance.

The report noted that WHO approved the world’s first malaria vaccines in 2021, and 24 countries have now added them to their regular immunisation schedules. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said that new preventive tools provide reason for optimism, but many obstacles remain. He pointed out the rise in cases and deaths, the pressure from drug resistance, and the impact of reduced funding. These factors could undermine the progress achieved over the last twenty years.

The report also identified other risks, including extreme weather events that alter temperature and rainfall patterns, fuelling outbreaks; and conflict and unrest preventing communities from accessing treatment. Global funding for malaria control has largely remained stagnant over the past decade, limiting how far life-saving tools can reach.

Still, Dr Tedros stressed that the obstacles are manageable. With committed leadership in high-burden countries and well-directed investment, a malaria-free world remains an achievable goal.

<h2>How Is Malaria Becoming Drug Resistant?</h2>

Drug-resistant malaria develops when malaria parasites adapt and no longer respond well to antimalarial medicines, making treatment less effective. Factors such as improper use of medicines, incomplete treatment courses, and the parasite’s ability to mutate contribute to this resistance. Once it emerges, it can spread quickly. Addressing the problem requires strong surveillance systems, responsible drug use, and continued reliance on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Despite the setbacks, there have been encouraging developments. So far, 47 countries and one territory have received malaria-free certification from WHO. Cabo Verde and Egypt were declared malaria-free in 2024, followed by Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste in 2025.

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Malaria infected an estimated 282 million people and caused about 6,10,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest World Malaria Report. The report placed strong emphasis on drug resistance, warning that it remains one of the biggest threats to global elimination goals. WHO-recommended vaccines helped prevent roughly 170 million cases and one million deaths last year, which is about nine million more than the year before. Around 95 per cent of malaria deaths occurred in the African Region, with children under five forming the largest share.Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, India represented 73.3 per cent of all malaria cases and 88.7 per cent of all malaria-related deaths. The report also underscored that the world is nowhere close to meeting the targets set under the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016–2030. Drug resistance has now been confirmed or suspected in at least eight African nations, and early signals point to falling effectiveness of partner drugs used with artemisinin. Other emerging challenges include rising cases of malaria parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions, which weaken the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, and widespread pyrethroid resistance across 48 countries, diminishing the protective value of insecticide-treated nets.Malaria Deaths Increase Amid Growing Drug ResistanceThe WHO warned of a global rise in malaria cases and deaths over the past year, driven by shrinking budgets and increasing drug resistance. An estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 malaria deaths were recorded in 2024, marking an increase of about nine million cases and 12,000 deaths compared to the previous year. Eleven countries in Africa accounted for nearly two-thirds of the global burden. The WHO said that efforts to reduce deaths remain “far off track.” Gareth Jenkins, managing director of the nonprofit Malaria No More UK, noted that the rise is alarming as current numbers do not yet reflect the impact of ongoing funding cuts.What Are Anopheles Stephensi Mosquitoes?Anopheles stephensi is a malaria-transmitting mosquito originally found in South Asia. Unlike many other malaria vectors, it thrives in cities and breeds in man-made water sources such as storage tanks, containers, and discarded tyres. It can carry both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites. In recent years, this mosquito has spread into several African countries, where it adapts easily and shows resistance to multiple insecticides. This expansion has increased the threat of urban malaria outbreaks, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.At present, Anopheles stephensi has been detected in nine African countries and is proving difficult to control due to widespread insecticide resistance.Malaria VaccinesThe report noted that WHO approved the world’s first malaria vaccines in 2021, and 24 countries have now added them to their regular immunisation schedules. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said that new preventive tools provide reason for optimism, but many obstacles remain. He pointed out the rise in cases and deaths, the pressure from drug resistance, and the impact of reduced funding. These factors could undermine the progress achieved over the last twenty years.The report also identified other risks, including extreme weather events that alter temperature and rainfall patterns, fuelling outbreaks; and conflict and unrest preventing communities from accessing treatment. Global funding for malaria control has largely remained stagnant over the past decade, limiting how far life-saving tools can reach.Still, Dr Tedros stressed that the obstacles are manageable. With committed leadership in high-burden countries and well-directed investment, a malaria-free world remains an achievable goal.How Is Malaria Becoming Drug Resistant?Drug-resistant malaria develops when malaria parasites adapt and no longer respond well to antimalarial medicines, making treatment less effective. Factors such as improper use of medicines, incomplete treatment courses, and the parasite’s ability to mutate contribute to this resistance. Once it emerges, it can spread quickly. Addressing the problem requires strong surveillance systems, responsible drug use, and continued reliance on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).Despite the setbacks, there have been encouraging developments. So far, 47 countries and one territory have received malaria-free certification from WHO. Cabo Verde and Egypt were declared malaria-free in 2024, followed by Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste in 2025.